Country Director – Nairobi – Center for Education and Development

Position Summary:
The role of the Country Director is to provide overall leadership, strategic direction, operational management and development of CED programs in Somalia and Kenya in line with CED’s vision and values. The CD will lead organizations mission representing CED’s interest in both countries and will be responsible for program development, management, M&E, strategy development, management of staff and office procedures. The successful candidate is expected to research and identify new donors and solicit funding for programmes. He/She will be also accountable to ensure all aspects of programs are implemented in compliance with grant agreements.
The CD is responsible the supervision of the organizations programs, finance, human resources and maintaining and developing relevant relationships and networks and for representing CED to partners, the government, donor agencies, and NGOs on matters of mutual interest. The CD will work closely to manage the senior management team in both countries, while also working closely with the Executive Director.
The CD reports to CED Executive Director and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya with frequent travel to Somalia.

Key Responsibilities and Duties
The key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Responsible for the day to day leadership and operations of the programs and management and execution of strategic planning for both countries.
2. Provide strategic leadership and direction of CED’s operation, strategic vision and plan for the organisation in consultation with the Executive Director.
3. Work closely with the Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and the senior management team.
4. Design and develop new programs and secure funds for these projects and respond to evolving needs and challenges.
5. Maintain effective communication with donors and organizations operating in the region, for coordination and partnership opportunities
6. Develop and Monitor risk management plan and ensure compliance & quality improvements of programme.
7. Responsible for the timely and efficient management, implementation, and monitoring of the organisations finance & administration, program, accounting, logistics, procurements, donor policies and procedures, control and reporting on the resources entrusted CED by donors and partners.
8. Manage office staff and provide guidance to staff on all issues related to program development and implementation.
9. Ensure the approved project agreements are delivered according to the contractual requirements of the Donor; i.e., all activities and deliverables are completed within the agreed timescale and budget, and any other requirements or criteria are fulfilled as specified in signed agreements.
10. Oversee and ensure the preparation and timely submission of narrative and financial reports to donors as per grant agreements.
11. represent CED and ensure participation in NGO sector coordination meetings, events and conferences and identify areas of coordination and collaboration.
12. Oversee and coordinate all assessments, program monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective implementation and to measure the impact of activities.
13. Maintain strong and positive working relationship with donors, partners, clients, civil society organisations, local media and government officials and ensure the CED’s work is responsive to the needs of partners and beneficiaries.
14. Manage staff and operations including hiring and training local staff, planning, assigning and directing work.
15. Responsible for fund-raising from institutional donors and financial stability of the organization including preparation of concept notes and project proposals in cooperation with the program staff.
16. Work with Finance department and support the development, management and implementation of the annual program budget to ensure effective cash flow management.
17. Maintain security management plan & policy and ensure all staff adhere to security protocol and update the Executive Director on security issues.
18. Ensure that the annual external audits are carried out and reports filed with the governments on time.
19. Ensure that HR, Financial and procurement policies are executed per the manuals.
20. Provide overall management, monitoring and evaluation of programs.
21. Ensure organisational staff are meeting projects objectives and goals and submit timely and comprehensive monthly, quarterly and final program reports to CED Executive Director for review and approval.
22. Develop high quality concept notes and proposals for new projects and partnerships.
23. Monitor staff performance and conduct appraisals together with senior relevant staff.
24. Lead technical capacity building of program staff and partners.
25. Work with senior staff on a regular bases to discuss and plan program objectivise and activity work plan.
26. Responsible for regular communication with ED and donors and provide well written communication strategy and support to CED and identify and secure in new funding opportunities and act as the organisations representative in discussion with potential donors.
27. Act as CED vocal point with donors and ensure a strong understanding of donor priorities, initiatives and plans.
28. Perform other assignments as requested by the Executive Director.

Required Qualifications, skills & Experience:
1. Master’s degree, preferably in International relations, development studies, political sciences, management, humanitarian studies, social sciences or related fields.
2. Minimum 10 years’ professional experience (including 5 years experience from working as a senior manager/country director in humanitarian/recovery context).
3. At least two years experience of managing large donor grants, preferably experience of managing EC, DFID, USAID, ECHO, AusAID, CIDA, and SIDA grants.
4. Strong experience in program development and documented skills in formulation of project proposals as well as budgets and reports.
5. Solid experience with financial management, human resources and logistics.
6. Knowledge of the context in Somalia and Kenya and the region
7. Experience from advocacy and developing fundraising strategies and fundraising work
8. Ability to use logical framework approach as a tool in program/project design and follow up.
9. Has relevant knowledge and understanding of International donor requirements
10. Demonstrated success in program development and fundraising.
11. Experience in negotiating, networking, and advocating with donors and government authorizes for solutions that serve the needs of beneficiaries.
12. Experience with developing clear work plans as well as monitoring and overseeing project implementation.
13. Experience managing large teams of project staff and local communities.
14. Experience in writing projects proposals and reports
15. Excellent networking skills with the ability to liaise well with a wide range of individuals.
16. Excellent information technology knowledge and use of EXCEL and WORD software.
17. Demonstrated leadership, versatility, integrity, mentoring, teamwork, delegation, partnering skills
18. Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills.
19. Fluent in English (written and verbal).
20. Excellent training / facilitation and capacity building skills.
21. Excellent negotiation and problem solving skills
22. Good team management skills
23. Good planning and analytical capacities
24. Good Research skills
25. Able to sit at a computer for extended periods of time
26. Ability to travel frequently to project sites.
27. Ability to work under pressure and extreme time constraints.

Desirable:
• Knowledge and work experience in Somalia and Kenya and conflict affected regions of Africa.

HOW TO APPLY:
To apply for the post please send your electronic application and detailed CV. Each applicant package will include the following:
1. Cover letter explaining why consider yourself qualified for this position with the applicants current contact information
2. CV including work experience and education
3. Copies of Certificates
4. Your contact number, present salary and contact details for three professional referees with their complete contact information (including current or most recent supervisor)

All applications should be sent to (email: recruitment.ced@gmail.com) Att: Human Resource Department with the subject of the e-mail marked “Country Director ” By 31th May 2016.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and invited for interviews.
CED is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.

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